Newton Recreation Commission – Minutes
October 10, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Newton Town Hall
Recreation Commission
Minutes of October 10, 2007 meeting
Page 1 of 2
Call to order
Chairman Rick Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:50 PM with the following Commission members in attendance: Rick Bailey, Chairman; Bob Donovan, BOS Ex Officio; Commission member, Gary Nelson and Alternate, Lisa Babcock. Minutes were recorded by secretary/alternate, Lisa Babcock. Chairman Bailey appointed Alternate Babcock for the evening. Others in attendance: resident, Deb Holden and Newton Baseball representative Bob Morton.
Newton Baseball
Bob Morton updated the Commission on progress of work at Greenie Park. Newton Baseball has been working on getting the sprinkler system working correctly. Mr. Morton stated that Newton Baseball is ready to work on the drainage issue but they are still waiting for a final decision on the machine time. Mr. Morton will meet with Nelson within the week to finalize plans. Mr. Morton will attend the next meeting with a written proposal.
Swim Program Refunds
A resident called to ask if she could get a refund on swim lessons as there were only 2 or 3 weeks of lessons before the beach closed. Bailey informed the resident that Recreation’s policy for the last several years had been to not refund money for swim lessons as Recreation has no control over beach closings.
Motion by Nelson to not give refunds for the 2007 swim program but to offer a 33% discount to 2007 applicants for the 2008 season, start the program earlier, and update the language on the registration form so that it is clear that no refunds are given. Second by Donovan. Motion carried unanimously.
Programs for Seniors
Selectmen Donovan posted a notice at Packer Meadows asking seniors what types of programs they would be interested in. He presented the list to the Commission stressing the importance of adding programs for senior citizens. Ideas included – a fall foliage trip, bingo at CPF&GC, Duck Tour. Nelson will look into Duck Tours and the availability of CPF&GC’s hall.
Babe Ruth
Nelson stepped down. Nelson asked the Commission to consider matching Kingston’s $1,000 grant to Babe Ruth. He said that Babe Ruth needs catcher’s equipment and he is also interested in running clinics.
Donovan stated that the Commission had stated that any group asking for financial assistance should be required to give back in some way (for example help out at the Fall Fair or clean up the Town Beach). Nelson agreed that this was a good idea, but that it was too late to do that this year as baseball has already ended and he would not be able to get any kids together at this time.
Bailey stated that from a funding stand point, it might be good for Newton Baseball to absorb Babe Ruth next year. He also stated that Babe Ruth is a good program to support since it provides activities for 13-18 year olds.
Budget
Bailey suggested that the budget be submitted with the same amounts. Donovan stated that Recreation should add a budget line for senior programs.
Motion by Donovan to add a line item to the budget for senior programs for $2,500. Second by Bailey. There was much discussion about what the amount should be. It was pointed out that bus trips are expensive but that the Commission did not know what the level of participation would be for senior trips.
Motion by Donovan to amend his first motion to add a line item to the budget for senior programs for $5,000. The Commission agreed. Bailey made a friendly amendment to the motion as indicated below.
Motion by Bailey to submit the budget with a line item added for senior programs in the amount of $5,000 and no other changes. Second by Nelson. Motion carried unanimously.
Kingston Cougars
Bailey noted that the selectmen requested that Greenie Park not be used for practices after dusk because of the threat of EEE. Recreation will comply.
Warrant Article
Bailey is working on draft of warrant article for $20,000. Nelson and Bailey will also look at completing a grant application for improvements at Greenie Park.
Bills
Motion by Bailey to pay $247.50 to Westville Grand Rental for bouncy castle for Fall Fair. Second by Nelson. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Bailey to pay $70.00 to King Graphics for Fun Run Labels for Fall Fair. Second by Nelson. Motion carried unanimously.
Babcock mentioned that with shipping, the ball toss game that was previously voted on came to over $700.
Motion by Bailey to revise funding for ball toss game to up to $750.00. Second by Donovan. Motion carried unanimously.
Other Business
Motion by Bailey to schedule Skateland for Thanksgiving (23rd) and Christmas (27th or 28th) vacation weeks and to spend up to $700. Second by Nelson. Motion carried unanimously.
Deb Holden will contact Skateland for availability.
Adjourn
Bailey motioned to adjourn at 9:50 pm, 2nd Nelson, vote: unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Babcock, Secretary
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